For the southern African safari experience of a lifetime, you really need to experience Botswana's Okavango Delta or Linyanti, a desert reserve, and the abundant wildlife of South Africa's Kruger Park region.
Days 1 to 5: Botswana
Fly directly from either Johannesburg to Maun in Botswana, and spend 3 nights at one of our recommended Okavango Delta or Linyanti camps. Spend your first day relaxing and recovering from your long journey, watching the wildlife from the privacy of your deck. You'll wake the next day refreshed and ready for a day's intensive game-viewing. Alternatively, book the 3-night Kanana mokoro (canoe) trail, and camp out on an island with your own dedicated staff. From the pristine delta, move on to spend 2 nights at Jack's Camp in Botswana's Kalahari wilderness, where the desolate desert is nature at its most surreal; take a quad-bike safari to view some Bushman rock art, or to Kubu Island.
Day 6: Zambia/Victoria Falls
From Jack's Camp, you can charter a flight to Livingstone, in Zambia, and spend a night at the colonial-style River Club or funky Tongabezi -- both located on the edge of the Zambezi River -- or Stanley & Livingstone on the Zimbabwe side. All provide a most romantic base from which to visit the spectacular sight of Victoria Falls.
Days 7 to 10: Kruger National Park
Return to Johannesburg (directly from Livingstone). From Johannesburg, it's an easy flight to world-renowned Kruger National Park, along South Africa's eastern border. Here, a choice of ultraluxurious game lodges offer smart design, impeccable comfort, and excellent game-viewing. For the absolute best options, spend 4 nights at two of Singita's four luxurious camps (two in Boulders or Ebony, the following two in Lebombo or Sweni), or combine Lebombo with Londolozi or Royal Malewane. The latter is the best choice if you're interested in on-foot rhino tracking. Londolozi is the ultimate for leopard-viewing, while Singita will bowl you over with its sophisticated design, service, and cuisine. The game-viewing is also superb.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
